A recovering heroin addict named R.J. Vied recently shared his story on First Responders Day about how he had to visit drug rehab centers in Delaware 27 times before finally achieving sobriety. Prior to seeking help at rehab, Vied suffered from heroin overdoses and stole regularly to fuel his addiction.

Vied says he wants to show those who suffer from heroin addiction that nearly anyone can overcome their problem and make it out alive to share their own success stories.

If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin addiction, know that it’s never too late to get help. Call our confidential helpline at 302-339-8171 to learn more about rehab options for you or your loved one, and to speak with an addiction counselor who can guide you toward sobriety and improved health.

Raising Awareness About Addiction

Delaware law enforcement officers attended the First Responders Day event to spread addiction recovery awareness.

Vied, a 32-year-old father and husband, says it’s important that police, medical responders, and firefighters treat those who struggle from addiction like human beings. He says that by making addiction seem more human, communities would be more supportive toward finding better solutions that can prevent and treat addiction.

The First Responders Day event also featured guest speakers New Castle County Police Chief Elmer Setting, Newport Mayor Michael Spencer, and Ashley Biden, executive director of the Delaware Center for Justice.

In his role as police chief, Setting recently launched a program called Hero Help, which connects struggling addicts with treatment as opposed to jail time. So far, the program has helped educate and rehabilitate multiple local addicts.

Other communities throughout Delaware are taking similar steps to address addiction. For instance, the Dover Police Department launched a program similar to Hero Help called Angel, and has already seen members of the community treating addiction like a disease, rather than a crime. Vied says this approach will make a major difference to those trying to overcome addiction.

Treating Addiction at Drug Rehab Centers

Many drug rehab centers throughout Delaware offer several treatments that can help addicts overcome dependency on heroin, morphine, and more potent opioids such as fentanyl and carfentanil. Struggling addicts can seek addiction treatment at inpatient luxury rehab facilities, or explore affordable treatments offered by state-funded rehab centers. Today, drug rehab centers have the ability to tailor addiction treatments to individuals based on their unique needs and addiction statuses.

Those who struggle with heroin and opioid addiction often experience better sobriety outcomes when receiving treatment at inpatient rehab facilities. These residential live-in facilities offer patients 24/7 access to medical support in the event they experience intense cravings or withdrawal symptoms, as well as safe, structured environments away from distractions and negative influences. This allows patients to recover fully without having to worry about school, work, and family, or about resisting drugs when they’re accessible.

If you are struggling with heroin or opioid addiction and live in Delaware, understand you have several local rehab options. Call our confidential helpline at 302-339-8171 to locate drug rehab centers in Delaware that are specialized in treating your addiction. Our goal is to guide you along the path to improved health and happiness, and lifelong sobriety.